Chappelle Feature Stars Sumpter, Curtis

June 22, 2017
by Mike McNamara

Tika Sumpter, Ben Tavassoli and Jamie Lee Curtis will costar in the political thriller THE PAGES, which began filming Monday and continues through the summer. Written and directed by Joe Chappelle, whose directing credits include THE WIRE, FRINGE and CHICAGO FIRE, THE PAGES is a female driven story of obsession, betrayal and regret, shooting in Chicago this summer. Film will be produced by Colleen Griffen for production company CorradoMooncoin and executive produced by Candy Straight.

In THE PAGES, a former top US security advisor, Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Lamm (Tika Sumpter) is threatened by associates from her dark past including Rachel Burke (Jamie Lee Curtis), a steely, commanding politician with an unwavering knack for achieving her goals. Colluding with Rachel is Adrian, an unyielding, patriotic chief of staff. Martin (Ben Tavassoli) harbors another type of obsession with Libby. This quartet converges as Libby seeks redemption, Rachel and Adrian seek compliance and Martin seeks the truth. THE PAGES is a contemporary take on the classic political thriller.

“I’m thrilled to collaborate with this truly stellar cast and amazing crew to tell the story of THE PAGES," said Chappelle. "That Colleen and I are able to produce this movie in our hometown of Chicago makes it especially rewarding. For me, THE PAGES explores the challenges - from both abroad and home - that our democracy currently faces and how the individual can persevere and fight the good fight.”

"Breakthrough Performer" Leads Cast

Tika Sumpter recently received spectacular reviews for her portrayal of Michelle Robinson (Obama) in the feature film SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU. Variety named her one of the “Breakthrough Performers” of Sundance 2016 for the role. She currently stars in Tyler Perry’s series THE HAVES AND THE HAVE NOTS on OWN and will next be seen in David Lowery’s OLD MAN AND THE GUN. Up and coming actor Ben Tavassoli recently received strong reviews for the lead role in the BBC series NEW BLOOD, and just wrapped OVERLORD for Paramount. Award-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis has been entertaining audiences for decades with her memorable performances from HALLOWEEN to TRUE LIES to the recent role in SCREAM QUEENS.

As for the talented team behind the camera... Writer/director Joe Chappelle has worked in film and television for more than 20 years, most recently producing/directing acclaimed episodic content including CHICAGO FIRE, FRINGE, CSI: MIAMI and THE WIRE. Producer Colleen Griffen has worked in film and television for over two decades, recently directing and producing the feature film THE COLD AND THE QUIET and the web series BOYBAND. Candy Straight most recently executive produced EQUITY, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was released by Sony Pictures Classics last summer. Straight spent decades working in corporate finance and investment banking before transitioning into film production. Petra Korner, AAC, known for her work on THE INFORMERS and THE WACKNESS, is the Director of Photography. Barbara McCarthy, a casting veteran who recently worked with Garry Marshall on his last feature, MOTHER'S DAY, and whose previous film work includes THE SPECTACULAR NOW and CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER, is handling casting. CAA is handling film sales.

As THE PAGES forges ahead through the summer then on to festivals and screens across the country... as always, I'll keep you posted.

Mike McNamara is the Co-Founder of The Midwest Independent Film Festival, www.midwestfilm.org. Mike pays his rent as an actor in Chicago in theatre, commercials, television and film. More from Mac at www.findmac.com.